Organic produce buying club Florida
These days, the word “organic” is everywhere. On food, clothing, pet supplies, lawn care products, and many other types of products on the market. But what does “organic” really mean?
Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. It includes a system of production, processing, distribution and sales that assures consumers that the products maintain the organic integrity that begins on the farm.
This system, which is governed by strict government standards, requires that products bearing the organic label are made without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering or other excluded practices, sewage sludge, or irradiation.
Guided by these and other standards, organic is the most heavily regulated and closely monitored production system in the U.S., enabling you to choose organic products with confidence.
Organic produce buying club Florida
Organic produce buying club Florida
Not sure whether organic food is the right choice for you and your family? Read on to learn about what sets organic apart from its non-organic counterparts, and why is worth it as part of your overall effort to keep yourself and your family healthy.
Organic produce buying club Florida
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and the
National Organic Program (NOP) assure consumers
that the organic agricultural products they purchase
are produced, processed, and certifi ed to consistent
national organic standards. The labeling requirements
of the NOP apply to raw, fresh products and
processed products that contain organic agricultural
ingredients. Agricultural products that are sold,
labeled, or represented as organic must be produced
and processed in accordance with the NOP
standards.
Except for operations whose gross income from
organic sales totals $5,000 or less, farm and processing
operations that grow and process organic agricultural
products must be certifi ed by USDA-accredited
certifying agents.
Labeling requirements are based on the percentage
of organic ingredients in a product.
Agricultural products labeled “100 percent organic”
and “organic”
Products labeled as “100 percent organic” must
contain (excluding water and salt) only organically
produced ingredients and processing aids.
Products labeled “organic” must consist of at least 95
percent organically produced ingredients (excluding
water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients
must consist of nonagricultural substances approved
on the National List including specifi c non-organic
produced agricultural products that are not
commercially available in organic form.
Products meeting the requirements for “100 percent
organic” and “organic” may display these terms and
the percentage of organic content on their principal
display panel.
The USDA seal and the seal or mark of involved
certifying agents may appear on product packages
and in advertisements.
Agricultural products labeled “100 percent organic”
and “organic” cannot be produced using excluded
methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.
Processed products labeled “made with organic
ingredients”
Processed products that contain at least 70 percent
organic ingredients can use the phrase “made
with organic ingredients” and list up to three of the
organic ingredients or food groups on the principal
display panel. For example, soup made with at least
70 percent organic ingredients and only organic
vegetables may be labeled either “soup made with
organic peas, potatoes, and carrots,” or “soup made
with organic vegetables.”
Processed products labeled “made with organic
ingredients” cannot be produced using excluded
methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation. The
percentage of organic content and the certifying
agent seal or mark may be used on the principal
display panel. However, the USDA seal cannot be
used anywhere on the package.
1-877-832-8289
